Johnson lifts Timbers into 2-2 tie with Colorado

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Will Johnson scored two goals, including a penalty kick in the 71st minute, and the Portland Timbers rallied from a two-goal second-half deficit to tie the Colorado Rapids 2-2 on Saturday night.

Johnson scored Portland's first goal in the 55th minute.

The Timbers (0-1-3) have never won in Colorado, going 0-3-1 in their matches at the Rapids.

Portland continued its trend of allowing the first goal in all four games.

Dillon Powers scored his first career goal for Colorado (0-3-2) in the 18th minute and Hendry Thomas scored on a penalty kick in the 48th.

The tie extended Colorado's winless streak to start a season to five games. The franchise record is six, 0-5-1 to open the 2003 season.

Goalkeeper Clint Irwin made his second career start, replacing franchise career win and shutout leader, Matt Pickens, who was sidelined with a broken arm.

The Rapids led 1-0 at halftime, but could have easily led by more. They hit two posts in the fourth minute.

Shane O'Neill's header rattled off the right post. Tony Cascio ran down the miss and his shot caromed of the left post.

Powers scored after Colorado got the ball on the Portland side of midfield after goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts' sailed a goalie kick into the east stands. The ball reached Powers 25 yards out in the deep slot and he didn't hesitate taking a shot that found the back of the net.

Ricketts didn't seem to pick up the ball until it was past his left hand.

The Timbers had one chance at Irwin. Ben Zemanski sent a shot from 25 yards out that Irwin easily handled with both hands in the 32nd minute.

Colorado was awarded a penalty kick when Cascio was tripped up by Diego Chara as he moved in on Ricketts. Thomas waited for Ricketts to take himself out of position and pushed the ball into the net in the 48th minute.

Portland scored the next two goals. Johnson scored on a header in the 55th minute.

Johnson drew Portland even at 2-2 with a penalty kick in the 71st minute. David Horst drew a penalty from Rapids forward Atiba Harris and Johnson cashed in with the tying goal.